Juro, You know I sold mine. I want something that I can use outside the surfline, and go in and out thru the surf. They also sit to low in the water, I want something that I can stand in. I have found it, but I haven't used it in the surf yet. Maybe this coming week. There is a place at Charlestown Beach Road, that rents yaks of different manufacturers, if you are bent in getting one. Remember I am in a new ballgame, as far as coastal flyfishing gos, stay tunned.

Thanks Art. I am not planning on selling my raft to get a yak. I am trying to finance it without selling the river craft I have come to enjoy. You should have seen it out west!

I am like you, I like the stability as an option. But I also need something to buck the current once in a while, and my raft can't take a motor like yours. The raft is meant for safe passage down a whitewater river, and that it does really well. It can't row upcurrent worth diddley.

Santa Cruz by Necky. The reason I chose this boat is that it has a large cockpit and has excellent primary and secondary stability which is very important in a yak. I errored on the side of safety. I wanted a boat that could handel rough conditions if they should occur. It also has a sealed rear hatch*and deck rigging . Many people choose a yak that has good primary stability but poor secondary stability which is a mistake. I got advise from experienced sea kayakers not fishermen. Talk to fishermen and they will tell you Pungo. Try before you buy. Yaks are like fishing rods there is one to suit different tastes. FishHawk

I have an old, 10-12 foot white water kayak. This is not the craft that you want in the salt, although it does handle the surf pretty well. The problem with this yak is that it tracks very poorly in the water (smooth bottom, no rudder). I imagine that you will be doing more traveling in your yak than fishing from it. If this is true, then you want a yak that is easy to get around in while in the salt.

The other issue, small cockpit boats really are a pain to get into even in 8 inches of water (say a submerged sandbar on a rising tide). You can use your paddle to keep from flipping over as you wriggle into the boat but it can be a hassle, especially with some surf crashing in on you as you struggle to get in the boat.

Also, get bladders for the inside of the yak. If you ever do flip it over in deep water then they will be a life saver in terms of getting the yak upright and emptied again. Getting back into the boat...you are screwed if you have a very tight cockpit like I do.

If you do need any kayak advice/supplies then you might want to consider Kittery Trading Post if you are in the area. They have a lot of kayaks and kayaking gear there.

I picked up a Pungo last month. For fishing purposes I was primarily interested in a stable plastic tub to get from point A to point B. Opted for the Pungo based on stuff I've read on the boards and the fact that it looked like I might fit in it. Also, a knowledgble co-worker bought two, just based on the hull design and what he had read. He was looking for recreational kayaks for he and his wife to explore Cape estuaries in. That kinda sold me.

After years of being blown around in a canoe, I finally broke down and bought a yak. I did a fair bit of research (and paddling) before doing the obvious and getting a Pungo. Tracks well, good secondary stability when you're leaning over the gunwales lipping a fish, lots of space, etc., etc. The bigger opening makes for easy in and outs when you want to wade.

One other thought is Chesapeake Light Craft, (http://www.clcboats.com/) especially the Mill Creek. Neat kits if you're inclined to put together your own wooden boat. Count me in for any of your north shore expeditions.

Juro,
I've got an Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro TW. It's a sit-on top, so I only use it from May to Sept. I like the sit on top b/c I am higher on the water for easier casting. It's not quite as stable as the Pungo, but WAY easier to paddle. It's still really stable, I just wouldn't stand in it. Speed and stability are always a trade-off. I mounted a rod holder between my feet, and the storage is huge. I have an open well on the back that'll easily hold a good sized cooler (for fish fillets), and the bow has dry storage that holds:
a spare paddle, a spinning rod in case it gets windy, my tackle bag, a cooler with lunch and water, waders, wading boots and a wind breaker...with plenty of room to spare.
It's a wet ride, but all kayaks are. The extra speed makes a huge difference when you see fish breaking, or you are on the way home from a long day.

Pungo.
Large cockpit for this large angler.
excellent secondary stability.
Gets from point A - B with a minimum of effort while providing a stable platform, although I'm not up to standing in it.
There is a trade off between speed and stability and I think the Pungo makes a nice compromise between the two.

Other considerations:
A spray skirt is a necessary safety feature for this large cockpit design and it works great as a stripping basket and zips part way open so you can still access your gear.
Don't overlook the importance of paddle selection. I you were to buy a skiff I'm sure the motor would be something you'd research. In a kayak you and your paddle are the motor. The composite or straight carbon fiber types are nice because they are lightweight. You wouldn't think a few ounces would matter but weight, length, blade profile, and adjustable feathering are very important things to consider in a paddle. I personally like a slight oval shaped handle because I can tell where the blade is pointing by feel and I think it fits in the hand better.
I'm not using mine Saturday (tomorrow) maybe not Sunday either, so give me a call if your interested in taking off my hands for a day or two.

I bought Art's Necky "Gannet". 11'0", cockpit is pretty good for a big guy, yet not as big as the Wilderness Pungo or several others. I've used it; I haven't challenged wild surf with it, yet it seems to do what I want in most conditions. I might be a little heavy for it at just over two hundred pounds,and I haven't loaded gear into it for effect. I'm comfortable in it for calmer conditions; I would trust it to get me back to the beach if it got rough.

As I've looked at others, I've arrived at a cross in the road for the next one (there will be another very soon) in that I like the (Wilderness) Pungo, but I like the (Necky) Santa Cruz or (Old Town) Nantucket, Castine or Loon 138, in that order, more. I suppose I'd be more inclined to pursue salt in any of them. I saw John's Tribalance - I liked it for it's design and the outrigging part, but I don't know about sitontops for me. In any event, I'm not sure what the next one will be regardless of the mantra, Pungo, Pungo, Pungo.

Juro, I have fished out of my Necky Looksha IV and it is a poor fishing craft. But I don't think that I would enjoy paddling some of those fishing tubs out there. I think that when I get another yak, it will be either the Wilderness "Freedom" or the Heritage "Fisherman". Both of these look like a better combination of performance and fishing.
Here are some thoughts: Most of my fishing spots are not so close to the put in, and I like to explore. A faster boat = more fishing time.
Sit on top vs. Sit in side. Can most people roll their Kyaks? So you might be swimming any way. If it is cold you'd better be in a wet suit. SOTs are easier to get in and self bailing to boot. If it is warm, you'll apreciate the open deck.

Pluses:
Space, both cockpit and storage (wet storage)
Tandem with sliding front seat for solo paddleing so it's a good family craft
Durable, nothing fancy to worry abotu getting knocked around.
Stable, I can get in and out in 2 - 3 ft of water without tipping pretty easily

Minuses:
Weight, tough to drag across long beach stretches. Very awkward to carry single handled for any distance.
Tracking: Might eb a function of the front seat position but it points up into the wind if it's blowing. You'll find yourself fighting to keep on course. Not a problem with two aboard.
Transportation: the tandem means it's longer than a solo. Might not fit safely in the back of the pickup without using a rack. (You're welcome to try it out )